Hard to believe perhaps, but did you know that last Sunday was the first day of Spring, according to the meteorological calendar. Spring on this calendar always starts on 1st March (St David’s Day) and runs through to the 31st May. But one of the major events in the SPRA calendar, at this time of year is the submission of applications for the SPRA roofing awards, which are presented at our Conference and Awards Dinner in June.
Having now been involved in a few judging panels both for SPRA and other roofing organisations, it really is a pleasure to review all that is great about our industry. Also to bear witness to our members considerable efforts in producing excellent single ply roofing projects for consideration.
Bearing in mind the effort that has gone into any award submission it’s important to ensure that applicants understand what we are looking for.
Here’s a few tips that might be of assistance to you.
Some basics regarding an award submission;
- There are a number of different categories; ensure the submission (photographs and background information) is directly related to the category.
- The same project can be submitted in up to two categories. If that is the case, please ensure that the photographs and background information emphasise the key category points and are directly related. That information may change depending on the category.
- Background information should clearly inform the judging panel of the key points, again category related, but should also be well laid out and presented. Sometimes we do not get enough written information to explain why the submission should be considered for that category.
- Equally photographs should also relate to the category submitted for. In recent judging panels we have seen many distant ‘drone’ photographs. While we are not against drone photos, one is enough and should be supplemented with plenty of close up photographs at roof level.
- We are really looking for the detail of the project. Layered build up photographs are a good way to tell the story of the project. Seeing the roofing project taking shape from deck up is really beneficial. As is close up details of penetrations, drainage, plinths, corners etc.
- It is not always the largest, most photogenic project that wins an award. It is the quality of detail and the effort put in or challenges overcome, that have real impact on the judging panel.
- Another point on photographs is please ensure they are taken as high-resolution files as hopefully the submission will be featured as a SPRA award winner in the trade press.
- Health & safety issues are paramount therefore please bear this in mind when submitting photographs for any category. We have ruled out projects before on these grounds alone.
In summary, the above are some points to note when making a submission for an award. While any award submission is something that you are proud of and a project that may be used in your own future marketing, we are really looking for the technical story of the project in words and photographs, related to the category chosen. So, the submission should be focussed on the technical aspects of the project.
If the past is anything to go by, we have great technical stories out there that reflect a vibrant high-end sector of the construction industry, that is single ply roofing. Start planning your submission now and we look forward to receiving these in due course. If you need any guidance on this check our website or please call me. Best of luck!
Dr Ronan Brunton B.Sc MBA GMICE
Technical Manager
